sockeyes focused on winning - 28th February

Story by Steve Erickson

The Sockeyes wrapped up January playing eight games both home and away outscoring their opposition by a 31-29 margin as they head into the final stretch of the regular season focused on the upcoming playoffs.

All teams in the PJHL played 48 games that saw the Sockeyes finish with an impressive record of 32 wins, 11 losses, 3 overtime losses, 2 shootout losses while grabbing a commanding 244 goals for and 137 against.

It’s the time of the season that given where they sit in the standings Head Coach Cullen Revel can manage the roster to “sit out” the odd player that allows him to dress extra players who fill roster slots.

In doing so it allows Cullen and staff to evaluate or rather watch the growth of future players who are focused on “cracking” the roster for the upcoming season.

The Sockeyes continue their involvement with various teams, clubs and organizations within the City offering them the opportunity to embrace a “Sockeyes night” welcoming them to the organization.

In conversation with various individuals and organizations they continue to tell me “they are extremely impressed with not only the on-ice product of the Sockeyes but also the professional manner in which they deal with all organizations.”

January saw the return of the Alumni Game that saw an impressive crowd on hand to take in the fun festivities in addition to watching the talent from former Alumni players as well as the current roster.

Reaching out means literally that they attended the Minoru Centre for Active Living where the Clinics offers in-person information on a wide range of programs, services and supports specifically for those 55+ years that live in Richmond.

In addition they also had a special night focused on working with the BC Special Olympics with proceeds going to the program as the Tunnel Series returned with the Delta Ice Hawks focused on pulling out a win.

The Sockeyes were elated to send players to the PJHL All-Star game hosted by the Port Coquitlam Trailblazers that saw all players live up to all expectations as to why they were named to the roster.

With the regular season wrapping up the Sockeyes finished the regular season February 5th hosting to the Coastal Tsunami that saw them easily dismantle the Tsunami pulling off an impressive 8-1 win.

They dominated the Tsunami, outshooting the visitors by an impressive 46-24 margin that saw Alex Kielmann named the game’s first star, Nicholas Noren second star and Caleb Cruz the game’s third star.

With the playoffs around the corner the match-up would see them face-off against the White Rock Whalers that saw them dominate game one pulling out a commanding 7-2 win.

Game two of the best of seven series saw them return home that saw a close tight checking game that saw the game tied after one with the Whalers getting the game’s first goal only to have Nicholas Kolb getting the tying goal 2;09 later.

The game remained tied until  the third when William Huo got his first giving the Sockeyes a 2-1 lead in a contest that saw the Whalers pull their “tender” in the late stage of the third that saw William Huo get his second of the game and the clinching game winning goal.

The Sockeyes hold a 2-0 series lead with game three hitting the ice February 20th at 7 pm.

Catch exciting Sockeyes PJHL Playoff Hockey at the Minoru Arena; commonly known to those in the hockey world as the “Fish Tank”

Story by Steve Erickson and Jagraj Lalli

It feels like just yesterday that Steve Erickson and I were at Sungod Arena for the Delta Ice Hawks’ season opener on Sept. 7. 

Due to the Ladner Leisure Centre still having its turf from the President’s Cup, the Ice Hawks were forced to find an alternate venue for their first game of the season. 

Looking back, it was one of the toughest days of my life personally, but I’ll always remember having that game to hold onto.

It’s crazy to revisit that game sheet and see names like Micheal Romeo, James Lin and Zach Shaughnessy still in Ice Hawks uniforms. 

Delta opened the season with a 5-2 win over the Langley Trappers, setting the tone for what would be a rollercoaster season filled with roster moves, rivalries and defining moments.

Following the home opener, Steve and I returned to the Ladner Leisure Centre for our usual Tuesday Night Hockey broadcasts on Eastlink TV, working alongside producer Kevin Adlem and our talented tech crew. 

No matter what else was going on, I knew Tuesday nights would always be my favourite.

The Ice Hawks wrapped up September with a 6-5 record, with Shaughnessy splitting goaltending duties with Merik Erickson, who returned after a season in Lake Cowichan.

October brought more stability, including Erickson’s season debut in a win over Surrey. The team also bolstered its lineup with key acquisitions, including Grady Lenton from the BCHL Coquitlam Express and Rajun Parmar from the PJHL Richmond Sockeyes.

One of the most dramatic games of the early season came on Oct. 29 against the North Vancouver Wolf Pack that saw (former Ice Hawk goaltender) Remy Quintoro return to Ladner, that saw Delta jump out to a 4-1 lead after two periods. 

But the Wolf Pack stormed back, tying the game with 0.2 seconds left before Matteo Pero scored in overtime to seal a 7-6 comeback win.

November saw the Ice Hawks go undefeated, including statement wins over Ridge Meadows, White Rock and Abbotsford. 

Despite the success, Head Coach Steve Robinson remained focused, emphasizing that the real test would come in the playoffs.

December started with a big win over the league-leading Chilliwack Jets, solidifying Delta as a top contender. 

Ahead of that game, they acquired defenceman Jonathan Soares from White Rock. However, the team faced a setback when Shaughnessy left for the Estevan Bruins (SJHL), opening the door for goaltender Thomas Popa to join the team.

One of the most anticipated games of the season came on Dec. 17 against Richmond.

The tension was high, with storylines including Popa facing his former team, Parmar and Soares going up against their old teammates, and a fierce coaching rivalry. 

The game lived up to the hype, with Delta tying the game late in the third before Dany Bereza buried the overtime winner. The energy in the LLC that night was unforgettable.

After winning both games at the Winter Classic in Richmond, Delta opened January with a shootout loss to White Rock. 

They later added key pieces at the trade deadline, bringing back Colin Jang and acquiring 2024 Stonehouse Cup champion Evan Fedele.

February featured only three games, but one of the biggest statements came after a loss to Grandview. 

Robinson responded by dressing five AP players in the next game, and Delta exploded for eight first-period goals in a 15-0 rout. 

They closed the season with an OT win in White Rock, finishing atop the Tom Shaw Conference with a 34-10-1-3 record. Mateo Sjoberg led the team with 102 points, just four behind the league leader.

Now, the Ice Hawks await the winner of the North Van Wolf Pack vs Port Coquitlam Trailblazers Survivor Series as they prepare for the Stonehouse Cup Playoffs. No matter who they face, Robinson will have his team ready to go.

Throughout this season, Tuesday Night Hockey on Eastlink TV has been my favourite part of the week. 

A huge thank you to Eastlink TV Kevin Adlem, Ice Hawks owner Eduard Epstein, the Delta Ice Hawks organization as well as the behind-the-scenes broadcast TV Production team and the numerous volunteers at the Ladner Leisure Centre.

A personal note from Jagraj:

At the start of the year, I went through a very tough time personally. I felt lost, I was hurting, but this gig—this team—gave me something to smile about.

Delta, thank you.

Story by Steve Erickson

Yesterday we mentioned a situation that took place in the Seattle area where a parent and I used that term loosely who came on the ice to assault two young minor hockey officials.

Sad as it sounds you just know that this was just a matter of time before it would happen and as sad as it sounds – it probably won’t be the last!

We continue to hear about abusive language and actions that some parents take at various hockey games throughout the country and now is the time for All Minor Hockey Associations to take the necessary steps to prevent this from even happening again and again.

I hear fans shout abusive language directed toward not just minor hockey officials, but also officials who work Junior hockey as well and as strange as it sounds no one says anything.

Maybe it’s time for leagues to start taking points away from the team, normally the home team and implementing a fine system for the Associations.

While the situation is sad to even watch and hear about it’s a breath of “fresh air” to hear that the Seattle Kraken have stepped up and invited the two young officials and their Families to attend an upcoming game – PUPE CLASS!!

Well done, Seattle Kraken! The NHL team has reached out to the two young referees who were assaulted in Kirkland this past weekend and have invited the two teenage boys and their families to watch a Kraken game in Seattle following the NHL’s 4 Nation Face-Off break.

Below is an article on the Hockey Feed site.

Enjoy the read and thanks to the site for posting this up online.

This past weekend a Seattle hockey Dad faced a tsunami of backlash online after video showed him shoving two teenage officials to the ice in a disgraceful act.

The video from a U12 rec league game in Kirkland, WA featuring the Seattle Sno-Kings went viral over the weekend for all the wrong reasons. In the video, an enraged parent can be seen slowly walking on the ice towards a pair of young officials before physically assaulting both young men by shoving them down hard to the ice.

The two young officials look completely stunned at what had just transpired, understandably so, with one of the young men looking back and forth between his officiating partner and the enraged parent as if in total disbelief.

The Sno-Kings have released a statement denouncing the actions of the enraged parent.

“We at Sno-King, along with our state association and all of its members, stand with our on-ice officials and off-ice volunteers. There is no room for behavior like this and it will not be tolerated,” said the team in a statement.

The two young men who were assaulted in this incident are reportedly only 13 and 14 years of age respectively, making the actions of this parent against the young officials all the more reprehensible. 

It is unclear at this time what consequences he will be facing for his actions.

Today, Seattle Police and Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey (PNAHA) announced that they are investigating the incident and that charges are pending.

“The video we are sharing is difficult to watch, but it is crucial that we confront the seriousness of what happened,” PNAHA said in a statement. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of why maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our sport is so essential. 

Hockey is a game of passion, but there is absolutely no place in our sport for the kind of egregious and outrageous behavior that occurred during a 12U Rec game here in Washington, where a parent went onto the ice and physically assaulted two young officials—a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old. 

In my over 40 years in hockey, I have never witnessed anything so completely unacceptable.”

According to police report, the suspect expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and take responsibility for his actions.

He was released from the scene after providing his contact information to the officers.

The Seattle Police Department has recommended that the case be referred to the Seattle Law Department for consideration of two counts of misdemeanor assault. 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Story by Steve Erickson

In conversation over the weekend with some hockey scouts (both amateur and pro), parents of both Minor to Junior level players they feel that the game has changed in part due to the ever changing society in which we live.

According to several it all starts with the disrespect stemming from authorities to parents who feel that their youngster is the next pro athlete – sort of their “gravy-train” for them considering that they weren’t as talented.

In reality this alone is probably a true statement as we watch and listen to how parents shout obscenities during mostly hockey games with no one saying anything to them.

Why do we seldom here foul or vulgar language filled with profanity at a little league ball game, football game, tennis match or a pickle ball event?

For the most part it has to do with society with the justice system taking a nonchalant attitude toward this considering the way we hear some, but not all young persons fill their conversations with profanity at the local mall, coffee shop or even the school halls.

As a society we owe this to ourselves as we or no one wants to get involved with this form of abusive action.

I watch KTLA and continue to see street “takeovers” by upwards of over one hundred youth’s and if any are caught or apprehended they or their parents don’t hold anyone responsible.

Sad state of affairs and yet we continue to allow the abusive language and action to take place in our local rinks normally from an irate parent who thinks their son is an “Angel” but only in their own eyes.

Over the weekend I was sent an email that involved a so-called parent or as I like to call him a “Dumb Moronic Ass” who ventured on the ice and hit two young teenage  hockey officials to the ice.

The video from a U12 Rec league game in Kirkland, WA featuring the Seattle Sno-Kings went viral over the weekend for all the wrong reasons. 

In the video, an enraged parent can be seen slowly walking on the ice towards a pair of young officials before physically assaulting both young men by shoving them down hard to the ice.

The two young officials look completely stunned at what had just transpired, understandably so, with one of the young men looking back and forth between his officiating partner and the enraged parent as if in total disbelief.

“We at Sno-King, along with our state association and all of its members, stand with our on-ice officials and off-ice volunteers. There is no room for behaviour like this and it will not be tolerated,” said the team in a statement.

The two young men who were assaulted in this incident are reportedly only 13 and 14 years of age respectively, making the actions of this parent against the young officials all the more reprehensible. It is unclear at this time what consequences he will be facing for his actions.

Today, Seattle Police and Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey (PNAHA) announced that they are investigating the incident and that charges are pending. 

“The video we are sharing is difficult to watch, but it is crucial that we confront the seriousness of what happened,” PNAHA said in a statement. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of why maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our sport is so essential. Hockey is a game of passion, but there is absolutely no place in our sport for the kind of egregious and outrageous behaviour that occurred during a 12U Rec game here in Washington, where a parent went onto the ice and physically assaulted two young officials—a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old. In my over 40 years in hockey, I have never witnessed anything so completely unacceptable.”

According to police report, the suspect expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and take responsibility for his actions. 

As with our pansy- ass legal system he was released from the scene after providing his contact information to the officers and oh yeah – he promised to appear!!!

The Seattle Police Department has recommended that the case be referred to the Seattle Law Department for consideration of two counts of misdemeanor assault. The investigation remains ongoing!

We’ll keep you posted and hopefully he’s dealt with extremely harsh! What would you do if one of the young officials was your Son?

Story by Steve Erickson

As the PJHL season fast approaches the final week of competition for all fifteen teams some have achieved the success they started last fall while others continue to struggle in various areas.

The last regular season saw the Sockeyes recognize the graduating players along with the Families which was again welcomed by everyone in attendance.

The Richmond Sockeyes continue to play at a high level of competition with the players embracing the change that the coaching staff have worked diligently on.

If you ask any of the coaches they will tell you that everyone has to buy into the system, play as  a unit while playing a full sixty minutes with a “one shift at a time” routine.

If you ask any of the players the one game that they never played as a unit was the game against the Knights in a contest that saw them give up five unanswered goals before getting one of their own but dropping the game by a 5-1 margin.

In conversation with some of the players that game was one of their low points of the season which was followed by a hard fought battle against the Steelers, unfortunately coming up short on the scoreboard.

It was back to the basics for their next contest against North Van that saw Max Fowle get the start between the pipes while North Van started Remy Quintoro who was replaced in the mid-part of the second by Shayne Kermany.

Bryce Strand started the scoring off at 16:07 of the first on the power play taking a 1-0 lead to the room after twenty minutes in a period that saw North Van outshoot the Sockeres by a narrow 9-7 margin.

The second saw the Sockeyes get another quick start grabbing three early goals from Alex Kielmann, Dawson Sucke and Burke Newton who assisted on the two previous goals.

North Van’s David Yoon sent one behind Fowle at 13:07 of the middle period only to have Teo Lin and Alex Kielmann get his second of the game while killing a penalty taking a 6-1 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes.

The third seemed to be a “wake-up” call for North Van that saw them grab two while on the power play, one full strength while the Sockeyes got one in the third.

At times the game got somewhat physical and aggressive but the officials kept control of all “testy” situations when required.

North Van outshoot the Sockeyes by a narrow 39-35 margin that saw Alex Kielmann (2 goals/1 assist) named first star, Burke Newton(1 goal/2 assists) second star and Dawson Sucke (1 goal//1 assist) named third star.

January saw the Sockeyes score 31 goals allowing 29 through the eight games as they set their sights on a productive February with the regular season coming to a close.

January saw the Sockeyes welcome the ever popular Alumni game, a local school band, a group of young female players finishing January with a tribute to the Lunar New Year with a special Lion Dance Performance to the delight of everyone.

The last home game of the regular season saw the Sockeyes host the Coastal Tsunami in a game that went the distance while entertaining the fans with a school band, music bingo which was a “hit” to everyone as well as the good fist-a-cuff for the fans to enjoy.

With the regular season drawing to a close the Sockeyes are again in the playoff hunt for a PJHL championship win.

When you look behind the scenes for the Sockeyes one person who seldom gets recognized is Will Kump, Director of Operations and GM so it’s only appropriate that we wish Will a very Happy Birthday and thank him for all his hard work.

From the way the regular season ends and knowing that the second place plays the forth place it should be the Sockeyes taking on the White Rock Whalers in the first round in the Tom Shaw Conference.

What more can you say – the win was welcomed by Head Coach!!

Stay tuned – the PLAYOFFS ARE AROUND THE CORNER!!!